Cycling data suggests rise in bike use in European cities

New figures from France, Italy and the UK demonstrate uptick in active travel
By Mike Woof February 16, 2024 Read time: 2 mins
Amsterdam led the way in making bikes an integral part of city life (© ITS International | Adam Hill)

The latest data from France shows an increase in cycling for mobility. There has been a 5% growth in bicycle use in France, according to a report by the association Vélos & Territoires. Both conventional bicycles and e-bikes figure in this increase in cycling, according to the data. The utilisation of bicycles increased 7% during the week and by 6% in urban use compared to 2022. New cycle lanes in Paris as well as restrictions on the use of private cars have further helped increase levels of cycling in France’s capital.

And according to data from Transport for London (TfL) cycling in the UK capital shows a 20% increase in cycling in 2023 compared to 2019. The Travel in London report shows a growth in cycling, following on from the rise during the Covid-19 pandemic. TfL says that while overall cycling numbers have climbed, there have been changes in the characteristics of these journeys. The average length of cycling trips has decreased, indicating a shift towards shorter, more localised travel. In addition, there is a higher proportion of off-peak travel compared to before the pandemic.

In Italy, meanwhile, further boosts for cycling are expected with the development of the Apulian aqueduct in Puglia, which will see a total 192km of cycle routes. The project is being managed by AQP, with financing of €35 million being provided by regional funds and NRRP funds. The new sections will deliver a cycle path on an aqueduct, forming part of the National Cycling Route No 11.

The growth in cycling will help in the reduction of transport emissions, particularly in large cities such as Paris and London. This will also help to boost public health and boost productivity. Amsterdam and Copenhagen have set the lead in encouraging cycling in urban Europe but are now being followed by other cities. However, questions remain over the safety of cyclists due to poor standards of driving. And the layout of many cycling facilities is also in question, with too many routes not meeting safety standards and clearly not having been designed by people who actually ride bicycles.

Mass Transit & MaaS Classification & Data Collection Air Quality & Weather Systems

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • UK’s first low level cycle signals installed
    January 27, 2014
    The first low level traffic signals specifically designed for cyclists in the UK have been installed in London, following extensive safety trials by Transport for London (TfL) on behalf of the Mayor. Low level cycle signals have been common place in certain parts of Europe for many years, but have never been approved for use in the UK. During off-street trials, which were carried out in partnership with the Department for Transport (DfT) last year, more than 80 per cent of cyclists favoured the use of lo
    Read More
  • Mobile phones & driving & the rules of distraction
    January 5, 2024
    Making it illegal to hold your mobile phone while driving is designed to increase road safety, says Adam Hill. Cambridge Mobile Telematics has been looking at the numbers to see if it works
    Read More
  • Florida’s Altamonte Springs uses Uber pilot program with Uber to expand transportation coverage
    April 5, 2017
    To Uber or Not to Uber, that is the question cities must answer as they consider the pros and cons of inviting private transportation service providers to fill transportation gaps. Back in 1999, Frank Martz, city manager of Altamonte Springs, Florida, had an idea to expand transportation services to areas not covered by the local bus company.
    Read More
  • Measuring the effectiveness of winter VMS
    August 5, 2013
    A survey into the effectiveness of weather-related variable message signs on a trans-mountain highway has some interesting results, as Alexis Bacelar told ITS Europe. A study in the Massif Central region of France evaluating the usefulness of winter weather warning signs has highlighted the effect of variable message signs on driver behaviour. During the winter of 2009-2010, road operator Massif Central Direction Interdépartementale des Routes (MC DIR) started installing bad weather-specific variable messag
    Read More

Highlighted Content